Russian fans say dozens barred from Confederations Cup

In this Friday, Dec. 4, 2015 frame grab made from the APTN footage Alexander Shprygin speaks to The Associated Press in Moscow, Russia. Russian fans say dozens, including a notorious fan leader, have been barred from going to Confederations Cup games after they had ID documents unexpectedly canceled. Fan leader Alexander Shprygin, who was twice expelled from France last year following violence between Russian and English supporters in Marseille, says his ID was canceled and he has heard of around 50 similar cases. (APTN via AP)(Photo: The Associated Press)

MOSCOW (AP) — Russian fans say dozens — including a notorious fan leader — have been barred from going to Confederations Cup games after their identity documents were unexpectedly canceled.

Fans at the tournament require not only tickets but also a Russian government-issued “fan ID,” in a measure designed to allow the state to filter out potential troublemakers.

A Moscow-based hotline providing legal support for fans says many Russians had IDs granted which were canceled hours before Russia’s opening game against New Zealand, making their tickets useless.